Thank you for your prayers on behalf of our family as we traveled during past 3 weeks. We got as far west as Seattle and Vancouver, seen the beauty of the Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and the Black Hills in South Dakota; visited with friends and family in Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Calgary, Lacombe, Spokane, Minneapolis, Chicago and worshipped in 5 different congregations.
Visiting different churches, and my friends who are pastoring them, I could not help but compare strategies, approaches, new methods. Large churches are impressive with the variety of services offered, and the quality of service on weekends. Yet, I found some large churches closed during summer month for mid-week service. I was glad my two small London churches stayed open, and even increased in numbers through the summer mid-week prayer meetings. Seeing how folks in larger churches have to wait their turn for months to participate in worship, or other ministries, I know our small churches offer greater opportunity for all to participate according to their giftedness. It’s easy to get lost and go unnoticed in a large congregation. Not a chance to slip by in our church.
Then in my reading I run across interesting statistics: small churches grow faster and have higher quality than mega structures. Do you remember kindergarten stories of David & Goliath? Goliath was huge, overloaded with equipment. Some people admire the size. Who was you’re hero? How did you react to those pictures in your Children’s Bible? Were you frightened by Goliath? Did you fear for David? David was my personal hero: small in size, less show, but he had all what was necessary. He fought with divine intelligence, knowing that God equips him with what he needs. Goliath was laughable: huge man, huge armor, huge fall.
As we are approaching our fall outreach programs remember that each Church is custom made by God, uniquely equipped to carry out His purpose, and there is no lack of any gift. (1 Corinthians 1:7) We have all that is necessary.
Consider the list of spiritual gifts outlined by apostle Paul in his letters to Romans (ch.12), 1 Corinthians (ch.12), Ephesians (ch.4): exhortation, giving, leadership, mercy, prophecy, service, teaching, administration, apostle, discernment, faith, healing, helps, knowledge, miracles, tongues, tongues interpretation, wisdom, evangelism, pastor. Pray that God will reveal to you how to use your gift and provide an opportunity to put the gift to work.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Saturday, July 29, 2006
PRAYing! CARing! SHARing! - the sequence...
I want you to think about the sequence of outreach introduced here. If you share without caring, will people care to listen? Would you even bother sharing the good news if you wouldn’t care for them? Some may, because they care for their own benefits. Apostle Paul cautioned the Church in Philippi that some indeed preach Christ out of envy or rivalry, some out of selfish ambition, not sincerely…but what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. (Philippians 1: 15-18) Sharing Christ is or goal. Yet, how much more effective would be our sharing if we would sincerely care!
Caring is “joined at the hip” with prayer. Could you really care for someone without praying for them? Just stop here and think for a moment: how would it sound “I care for you but I don’t care enough to pray for you…” Ha?! In fact prayer is at the foundation of caring. Imagine how different our church, our family, our relationships would be if we would pray for each other. If you care about someone, or something – pray for them first before confronting them with your care… I don’t need to even prove my point here – bible simply says “pray without ceasing! (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Considering the upcoming evangelistic opportunities this fall – Doug Bachelor’s “Most Amazing Prophecies” & Shawn Boonstra’s “Sanctuary Presence” pray that God would remove indifference and apathy from among us, pray that god would make us truly caring, and as we carefully and caringly consider people we know we would care enough to share with them our blessed hope of Jesus’ soon return. Care enough to share about the fellowship of faith we have here in church. Care enough to share the invitation to the Evangelistic events.
Remember that Evangelism (SHARE!) works in churches that rank high in Loving Relationships (CARE) and Passionate Spirituality (PRAY!). To start – PRAY for each other, CARE one for another, and SHARE with others the blessing and grace that God has given you.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
PRAY! CARE! SHARE!
The “lighthouse movement” that started in 1999 had coined this terminology to describe their approach to evangelism. I don’t think there is more fitting description of how practical evangelism works.
As I watched the final game of the soccer World Cup, Sunday two weeks ago (I still feel the French should have carried the trophy), I also wondered which qualifying group will my motherland Ukraine will be placed into for the 2010 cup. See, significant events that take place every 4 years, like Word Cups, Continental Cups, Olympic Games, are preceded by a long process of preparation, called “qualifying.” Any significant event is just a apex of a long process. So is successful evangelism.
I heard your dreams of seeing a large evangelistic reaping event that would bring some one like Shawn Boonstra, or Doug Bachelor to our London grounds. A year ago I talked with It Is Written leaders and London was tentatively placed on the schedule for 2010. Yet, for us to get there a long process of becoming an Evangelistic Church must commence. Praying is our primary weapon in the spiritual warfare. Prayer is where Evangelism begins. Someone commented that “in the days of Apostles they prayed 10 days, preached 10 minutes and baptized 3000, now days we pray 10 minutes, preach 10 days and baptize 3.” If we to ever succeed in Evangelism we must begin with prayer.
The church that prays can and will begin to care. Various ministries must be developed where through caring for the needs of community we would gain people’s confidence. Through mingling with people, desiring their good, serving their needs, solving their problems we would gain their trust. Only then our sharing of the Gospel would fall on prepared ground. Only then sharing becomes efficient and effective.
Research shows that Evangelism (SHARE!) works in churches that rank high in Passionate Spirituality (PRAY!) and Loving Relationships (CARE). So, may our light so shine before all people, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Campmeeting Challenge
You may have noticed many members of our congregation missing today – they are feasting at the annual convocation, the Campmeeting. Our annual camp-meetings are of great importance, and all who possibly can should attend them. Since the beginning of our revival movement Campmeetings were always high points of Church Growth. In the words of one of our pioneers, sister White we “should feel that the Lord requires this of us.” The object of these holy convocation meetings is that the brethren may be separated from business cares and burdens, and devote a few days exclusively to seeking the Lord. The common duties of life are all-absorbing, and often it is inconvenient to leave our homes. Yet, in the words of our pioneers, we all need to arise and recognize the responsibility that is laid on us in seeking the perishing ones and leading souls to Christ.
For the second night Ted Jones is preaching “There is a God!” reminding all that the Remnant claim is not just a cute name for a special people, but God-given call to mission, God-given responsibility to proclaim the Three Angels Message of the eternal gospel to the world in these last days.
As our Conference grows larger, currently numbering over 25,000 members, plus family, friends and adherents – our annual meetings give birth to regional meetings in order to serve people in all areas. Those who come to the meeting leave with a deeper religious experience than they had when they came.
But the main purpose of it remains the same – to focus all people on our mission – Evangelism, to empower all people to do the Great Commission – Evangelism, to challenge all people for Evangeliving.
The success of our meetings, our ministry, our church depends largely upon ourselves. The minds and hearts of all people need to be enlisted in the work. All must be taught what they must do to open the door of the heart to Jesus, to receive Him gladly, and to lead other to Him, or simply put – every believer is a minister. Just as apostle Peter had restated God’s prophetic Vision for His Church: “A chosen race, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, a people to be a personal possession to sing the praises of God who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1st Peter 2:9 cf. Exodus 19:6)
For the second night Ted Jones is preaching “There is a God!” reminding all that the Remnant claim is not just a cute name for a special people, but God-given call to mission, God-given responsibility to proclaim the Three Angels Message of the eternal gospel to the world in these last days.
As our Conference grows larger, currently numbering over 25,000 members, plus family, friends and adherents – our annual meetings give birth to regional meetings in order to serve people in all areas. Those who come to the meeting leave with a deeper religious experience than they had when they came.
But the main purpose of it remains the same – to focus all people on our mission – Evangelism, to empower all people to do the Great Commission – Evangelism, to challenge all people for Evangeliving.
The success of our meetings, our ministry, our church depends largely upon ourselves. The minds and hearts of all people need to be enlisted in the work. All must be taught what they must do to open the door of the heart to Jesus, to receive Him gladly, and to lead other to Him, or simply put – every believer is a minister. Just as apostle Peter had restated God’s prophetic Vision for His Church: “A chosen race, a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, a people to be a personal possession to sing the praises of God who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1st Peter 2:9 cf. Exodus 19:6)
Saturday, July 1, 2006
Insiders or Outsiders
As we begin a new Sabbath School quarter we are invited to consider our purpose in context of the time in which we live, in the context of the pre-Advent judgment, in the context of living in the closing days of earth’s history.
In the course of my reading I run across a few shocking passages that I would like to share with you this morning. These come from the pen of inspiration, from the pen of sister E.G.White:
“The professed followers of Christ are on trial before the heavenly universe; but the coldness of their zeal and the feebleness of their efforts in God's service mark them as unfaithful. If what they are doing were the best they could do, condemnation would not rest upon them; but were their hearts enlisted in the work, they could do much more. They know and the world knows that they have to a great degree lost the spirit of self-denial and cross bearing. Many there are against whose names will be found written in the books of heaven not “producers,” but “consumers.” There are many whose names are on the church books, but who are not under Christ's rule. They are not heeding His instruction or doing His work. Therefore they are under the control of the enemy. They are doing no positive good; therefore they are doing incalculable harm. Because their influence is not a savor of life unto life, it is a savor of death unto death.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p.304)
“It is a solemn statement that I make to the church, that not one in twenty whose names are registered upon the church books are prepared to close their earthly history, and would be as verily without God and without hope in the world as the common sinner. They are professedly serving God, but they are more earnestly serving mammon. This half-and-half work is a constant denying of Christ, rather than a confessing of Christ. So many have brought into the church their own unsubdued spirit, unrefined; their spiritual taste is perverted by their own immoral, debasing corruptions, symbolizing the world in spirit, in heart, in purpose, confirming themselves in lustful practices, and are full of deception through and through in their professed Christian life. Living as sinners, claiming to be Christians!”. . . General Conference Bulletin, 1893, pp. 132 (Christian Service, 41)
Salvation is not to be baptized, not to have our names upon the church books, not to preach the truth. But it is a living union with Jesus Christ to be renewed in heart, doing the works of Christ in faith and labor of love, in patience, meekness, and hope. Every soul united to Christ will be a living missionary to all around him. --Letter 55, 1886. (Evangelism, 319)
And all I can add to this is “I concur” Do you?
In the course of my reading I run across a few shocking passages that I would like to share with you this morning. These come from the pen of inspiration, from the pen of sister E.G.White:
“The professed followers of Christ are on trial before the heavenly universe; but the coldness of their zeal and the feebleness of their efforts in God's service mark them as unfaithful. If what they are doing were the best they could do, condemnation would not rest upon them; but were their hearts enlisted in the work, they could do much more. They know and the world knows that they have to a great degree lost the spirit of self-denial and cross bearing. Many there are against whose names will be found written in the books of heaven not “producers,” but “consumers.” There are many whose names are on the church books, but who are not under Christ's rule. They are not heeding His instruction or doing His work. Therefore they are under the control of the enemy. They are doing no positive good; therefore they are doing incalculable harm. Because their influence is not a savor of life unto life, it is a savor of death unto death.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p.304)
“It is a solemn statement that I make to the church, that not one in twenty whose names are registered upon the church books are prepared to close their earthly history, and would be as verily without God and without hope in the world as the common sinner. They are professedly serving God, but they are more earnestly serving mammon. This half-and-half work is a constant denying of Christ, rather than a confessing of Christ. So many have brought into the church their own unsubdued spirit, unrefined; their spiritual taste is perverted by their own immoral, debasing corruptions, symbolizing the world in spirit, in heart, in purpose, confirming themselves in lustful practices, and are full of deception through and through in their professed Christian life. Living as sinners, claiming to be Christians!”. . . General Conference Bulletin, 1893, pp. 132 (Christian Service, 41)
Salvation is not to be baptized, not to have our names upon the church books, not to preach the truth. But it is a living union with Jesus Christ to be renewed in heart, doing the works of Christ in faith and labor of love, in patience, meekness, and hope. Every soul united to Christ will be a living missionary to all around him. --Letter 55, 1886. (Evangelism, 319)
And all I can add to this is “I concur” Do you?
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Evangelism begins @ HOME !
Having spent 18 months with you I feel a good grasp on things, on people, resources, opportunities, potential in our church community. We’ve checked out our church health for concerns of impeded growth, and, (I know that I am writing to a motivated congregation, to a group of people who are not satisfied with decline) we are taking look into future, recognizing that significant growth is a product of Evangelism.
Yes, for 20 years we have not done it. Yes, we’ve forgotten how to. Since 1996 we enjoyed “satellite events” and renown speakers on the big screen without obligation to do it ourselves, complaining that it does not work ‘cause people are not getting in the water…Well, virtual evangelism produces virtual results. Those events were glimpses on how others do it. Plus, the simple fact that any harvest has 3 stages: sowing, reaping & keeping, was often overlooked. The 2-3 weeks event is just reaping stage. If no sowing is done – all you’ll reap would be “wild oats” and “tears.”
The sowing and cultivating is most intensive and extensive stage of work in evangelism. It is built on relationships. Spirit of prophecy advice stands forever true: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." (Ministry of Healing, 143) We’ll talk about keeping when we are ready to reap, but now I want to set the stage for the basic sowing.
Evangelism begins at home. Early in our heritage history, when we were a fast growing movement, Ellen G. White advised “Let those who desire to work for God begin at home, in their own household, in their own neighborhood, among their own friends. Here they will find a favorable missionary field. This home missionary work is a test, revealing their ability or inability for service in a wider field. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 428).
With wisdom, caution, and love, they should labor for the salvation of neighbors and friends. There is too distant a feeling manifested. The cross is not laid right hold of, and borne as it should be. All should feel that they are their brother's keeper, that they are in a great degree responsible for the souls of those around them. The brethren err when they leave this work all to the ministers. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.1, p. 368).
Evangelism is not some visiting preacher speaking to the choir, but each of us bringing those we care for to the feet of Jesus. Are you ready to bring your friends to Christ? When you are – we’ll do Evangelism. For now, let’s begin at home…
Yes, for 20 years we have not done it. Yes, we’ve forgotten how to. Since 1996 we enjoyed “satellite events” and renown speakers on the big screen without obligation to do it ourselves, complaining that it does not work ‘cause people are not getting in the water…Well, virtual evangelism produces virtual results. Those events were glimpses on how others do it. Plus, the simple fact that any harvest has 3 stages: sowing, reaping & keeping, was often overlooked. The 2-3 weeks event is just reaping stage. If no sowing is done – all you’ll reap would be “wild oats” and “tears.”
The sowing and cultivating is most intensive and extensive stage of work in evangelism. It is built on relationships. Spirit of prophecy advice stands forever true: “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me." (Ministry of Healing, 143) We’ll talk about keeping when we are ready to reap, but now I want to set the stage for the basic sowing.
Evangelism begins at home. Early in our heritage history, when we were a fast growing movement, Ellen G. White advised “Let those who desire to work for God begin at home, in their own household, in their own neighborhood, among their own friends. Here they will find a favorable missionary field. This home missionary work is a test, revealing their ability or inability for service in a wider field. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 428).
With wisdom, caution, and love, they should labor for the salvation of neighbors and friends. There is too distant a feeling manifested. The cross is not laid right hold of, and borne as it should be. All should feel that they are their brother's keeper, that they are in a great degree responsible for the souls of those around them. The brethren err when they leave this work all to the ministers. (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.1, p. 368).
Evangelism is not some visiting preacher speaking to the choir, but each of us bringing those we care for to the feet of Jesus. Are you ready to bring your friends to Christ? When you are – we’ll do Evangelism. For now, let’s begin at home…
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Reason to Rejoice!
I am writing from Andrews University where we are attending the Annual Church Growth Conference (SEEDS) with Carcamo family, who are leading our new Spanish Church Plant in the city. It is exciting to hear awesome reports of God’s power in action, to learn of wonderful things taking place in churches.
As I sit here and listen to the excitement I wonder what would it take to raise the morale in our churches? See, the high morale is the greatest motivator. It’s that condition under which people love to give, students love to learn, people are enthused.
The church with high morale enjoys exaggeration, where even small victories seem sweet, and the big ones make all feel invincible, where everyone jumps onto the bandwagon and joins the teamwork, where you feel like inviting other churches to learn from you, where you feel that your preaching, singing, praying is so important that all must hear it.
The church with high morale elevates people, gives higher level of confidence which enables better performance, and everyone does things above their natural ability. The high moral elevates to where all see the Big Picture and are committed to the shared dream.
The high morale energizes all with unstoppable energy and enthusiasm, where there is no mountain is too high, no project is too difficult, and all problems are eliminated. In such an environment great emancipation takes place where people are not afraid to take risks and try out new ideas, share new concepts and invite everyone’s creativity and innovations.
Can you imagine how motivating such an atmosphere would be? As we talked with elders last week we agreed that we are not there yet, but are well on the way – just a step away from the empowered living, a moderate morale.
And yet, here I sit, reflecting on my dreams of having miracles, signs and wonders to support our little victories, to affirm our faith, to have something to show for in our ministry. Wouldn’t it be the greatest motivator?
Such a dream reminds me of an incident with Jesus’ disciples. They came back from their mission trip all energized and motivated, because even demons submitted to them in Jesus name. And Jesus’ reply did not appear to be optimistic at all. He stood there pensively and replied: “So what, I saw Satan fall like a lightning from heaven.” When I think about this reply, it makes me realize that the power Satan had, exercised and enjoyed was more than anything we can ever dream for, yet he fell from heaven.
Jesus continued: “I’ve given you authority…to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” And then Jesus gave them the real reason for joy, the real motivator: “rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20) God raised us up with Christ, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). With the intent that the principalities and powers in heavenly places will learn through the church the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10).
There can’t be anything greater in this universe to motivate you for a higher living than living in God’s Throne-room now. There should be nothing to stop us from moving from a moderate living to the High Morale living in God’s Presence.
As I sit here and listen to the excitement I wonder what would it take to raise the morale in our churches? See, the high morale is the greatest motivator. It’s that condition under which people love to give, students love to learn, people are enthused.
The church with high morale enjoys exaggeration, where even small victories seem sweet, and the big ones make all feel invincible, where everyone jumps onto the bandwagon and joins the teamwork, where you feel like inviting other churches to learn from you, where you feel that your preaching, singing, praying is so important that all must hear it.
The church with high morale elevates people, gives higher level of confidence which enables better performance, and everyone does things above their natural ability. The high moral elevates to where all see the Big Picture and are committed to the shared dream.
The high morale energizes all with unstoppable energy and enthusiasm, where there is no mountain is too high, no project is too difficult, and all problems are eliminated. In such an environment great emancipation takes place where people are not afraid to take risks and try out new ideas, share new concepts and invite everyone’s creativity and innovations.
Can you imagine how motivating such an atmosphere would be? As we talked with elders last week we agreed that we are not there yet, but are well on the way – just a step away from the empowered living, a moderate morale.
And yet, here I sit, reflecting on my dreams of having miracles, signs and wonders to support our little victories, to affirm our faith, to have something to show for in our ministry. Wouldn’t it be the greatest motivator?
Such a dream reminds me of an incident with Jesus’ disciples. They came back from their mission trip all energized and motivated, because even demons submitted to them in Jesus name. And Jesus’ reply did not appear to be optimistic at all. He stood there pensively and replied: “So what, I saw Satan fall like a lightning from heaven.” When I think about this reply, it makes me realize that the power Satan had, exercised and enjoyed was more than anything we can ever dream for, yet he fell from heaven.
Jesus continued: “I’ve given you authority…to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” And then Jesus gave them the real reason for joy, the real motivator: “rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20) God raised us up with Christ, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). With the intent that the principalities and powers in heavenly places will learn through the church the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10).
There can’t be anything greater in this universe to motivate you for a higher living than living in God’s Throne-room now. There should be nothing to stop us from moving from a moderate living to the High Morale living in God’s Presence.
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